Telemedicine to be installed at Trinity Health

January 6, 2013

The introduction of an innovative technology will put Trinity Health on the map as the first rural healthcare provider in the country to pilot a system that will also redefine telemedicine.

On Monday, a LifeBot receiving unit will be installed at Trinity Health by Roger Heath, creator of LifeBot, and his team. A press conference will be held at 1 p.m. at Trinity Hospital at the Trinity Emergency Trauma Center.

LifeBot enables physicians at Trinity Health to perform long-distance triage, which is accomplished through a combination of components, including live two-way audiovisual communication; direct transmission of vital signs, ultrasound and other images; and barcode scanning of a patient's driver's license to bring up demographic and patient record information.

"This is an exciting project as we'll be the first to use this system in a rural EMS environment," said Jeffrey Sather, MD, FACEP, and Chairman of the Department of Medicine and Medical Director of the Emergency Trauma Center at Trinity Health. "Our goals will be twofold explore the health benefits to patients being transported, and investigate the potential for cost savings as a result of not having to transport select patients who can be treated at the scene."

Funding for the LifeBot was provided by Trinity Health Auxiliary as part of its mission to support Trinity Health in its endeavors to better serve its patients and the community. In addition to Trinity Health, the New Town Ambulance will also be outfitted with LifeBot sometime on Monday.